High frequency device having a frame with segmented compartments for prevented unwanted signal propagation

ABSTRACT

A high-frequency device includes plural high-frequency circuits mounted on a printed circuit board, a partition for protects the circuits from leakage or radiation of undesired signals, and a case for accommodating the printed circuit board. The partition is formed of a frame surrounded by a bottom surface of the case, bent-up strips, contact lugs, and a lid. The frame has sides shorter than the wavelength of the undesired signal. The frame reduces limitation in an arrangement of the components on the board.

This Application is a U.S. National Phase Application of PCT International Application PCT/JP02/10261.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a high-frequency device including plural high-frequency circuits, in which the high-frequency circuits are prevented from leakage and radiation of undesired high-frequency signals between the circuits.

BACKGROUND ART

A VHF/UHF tuner 10 for receiving television (TV) signals as a conventional high-frequency device will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, the VHF/UHF tuner 10 includes a VHF section and a UHF section. Since the sections are almost the same in structure, the VHF section will be explained. The VHF section includes input terminal 1 for receiving the TV signals, low-pass filter (LPF) 2 a coupled to input terminal 1, tuning filter 3 a coupled to an output of LPF 2 a, high-frequency amplifier 4 a coupled to an output of tuning filter 3 a, inter-stage filter 5 a coupled to an output of high-frequency amplifier 4 a, mixer 7 a having an input port coupled to an output of inter-stage filter 5 a and another input port coupled to an output of local oscillator 6 a, intermediate-frequency amplifier 8 coupled to an output of mixer 7 a, and output terminal 9 coupled to an output of intermediate-frequency amplifier 8.

The UHF section includes high-pass filter 2 b instead of low-pass filter 2 a in the VHF section. That is, filters 2 a and 2 b separates the received signals into VHF signals and UHF signals. Other than this are substantially identical to each other between the two sections except for handling frequencies of different bandwidths. For simple explanation, components of the UHF section commonly used in the VHF section are denoted by corresponding reference numerals with a subscript “b”. Input terminal 1, intermediate-frequency amplifier 8, and output terminal 9 are shared between the two sections.

The aforementioned circuits are formed on a printed circuit board, and are accommodated, as shown in FIG. 8, in metallic shield case 10. To avoid interference between circuits, these circuits are isolated from each other by metallic partitions 11 a, 11 b in high frequencies.

Partition 11 a is located between tuning filters 3 a, 3 b and inter-stage filters 5 a, 5 b, and more specifically, located above transistors in high-frequency amplifiers 4 a and 4 b. If outputs from high-frequency amplifiers 4 a and 4 b return upstream, abnormal oscillation may occurs. Partition 11 a is inserted to avoid the inconvenience.

Partition 11 b is located between local oscillators 6 a, 6 b and inter-stage filters 5 a, 5 b. Partition 11 b blocks leakage of signals generated by local oscillators 6 a and 6 b through input terminal 1 to the outside, which may affects other televisions. For designing a device that uses public radio waves with others, it is important to avoid affecting others. The leakage of signals is thus double-blocked by partitions 11 b and 11 a.

In order to block the leakage and radiation of undesired high frequencies, partitions 11 a and 11 b are made of metal, and isolates electrically and mechanically between the circuits. In particular, mechanically isolated, the circuits include components which are limited in their arrangement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A high-frequency device includes a board, plural high-frequency circuits provided on the board, and a partition located between the high-frequency circuits and including a frame made of conductive material. The frame prevents a signal generated in the high-frequency circuits from passing through said frame. The high-frequency device is not limited in arrangement of components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a high-frequency device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a shield case of the high-frequency device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a VHF/UHF tuner as the high-frequency device of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating arrangement of air-core coils forming filters of the VHF/UHF tuner of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating another arrangement of the air-core coils for the VHF/UHF tuner of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a vicinity of the partition located between high-frequency circuits of the VHF/UHF tuner of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a VHF/UHF tuner as a conventional high-frequency device.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the VHF/UHF tuner of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a high-frequency device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of a shield case of the high-frequency device. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, metallic shield case 20 has bottom 22 and sides 21 a, 21 b, 21 c, and 21 d formed by bending each side of a rectangular plate. Bent-up strips 23 a, 23 b, 23 c, 23 d, 23 e, and 23 f are formed on bottom 22 by bending up a portion of the bottom.

Legs 24 b and 24 d are formed unitarily with sides 21 b and 21 d, respectively. Similarly, insert portions 25 b and 25 d are formed with legs 24 b and 24 d, respectively. Insert portions 25 b and 25 d are inserted into a printed circuit board for having high-frequency components mounted thereon, and are soldered with the circuit board.

As shown in FIG. 1, single-sided printed circuit board 26 having a high-frequency circuit mounted thereon is accommodated in shield case 20. On the top surface of printed circuit board 26, high-frequency electronic components including core-less coils 27 a, 27 b, and chip component 27 c are mounted by reflow soldering.

Printed circuit board 26 has holes 28 a and 28 d into which bent-up strips 23 a and 23 d are inserted then soldered, respectively. Bent-up strips 23 a and 23 d have holders 31 at their bases, as shown in FIG. 2. Holder 31 supports printed circuit board 26. Printed circuit board 26 is held and secured mainly by lug 30 located on side 21 of shield case 20.

Metallic lid 32 for covering shield case 20 has contact lugs 33 a and 33 c, 33 d, 33 f corresponding to bent-up strips 23 a and 23 c to 23 f of case 20. Bent-up strips 23 b appears in FIG. 2. Contact lugs 33 a and 33 c, 33 d, 33 f are elastic so that the lugs elastically contacts strips 23 a and 23 c, 23 d, 23 f, respectively. For example, in FIG. 1., bottom 22, bent-up strips 23 a and 23 c, 23 d, 23 f, contact lugs 33 a and 33 c, 33 d, 33 f, and lid 32 form frame 50 made of conductive material. Frame 50 has a side shorter than the wavelength of a signal generated in the high-frequency device mounted on the printed circuit board. In particular, the distances between strips 23 a–23 f, for example, the distance between strip 23 a and strip 23 d should be shorter than the wavelength of the signal. This prevents the signal from passing through the frame. Frame 50 serves not only as a partition of the high-frequency circuits, but also as a protector against interference between the circuits. In addition, electronic components 27 c and 27 d can be located within frame 50. In FIG. 1, frame 50 is located between core-less coils 27 a and 27 b, and located between chip components 27 c and 27 d.

Frame 50 of the embodiment has a rectangular shape, however, may have a round or oval shaped, providing the same effect. In this case, the round shape has a diameter shorter than the wavelength of an undesired signal, or the oval shape has a long-axis diameter shorter than the wavelength for blocking the signal.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of a VHF/UHF tuner for receiving television (TV) signals as the high-frequency device of the embodiment. Sides 21 a, 21 b, 21 c, and 21 d are shown. Bent-up strips 23 a, 23 b, 23 c, 23 d, 23 e, and 23 f are shown. The VHF/UHF tuner includes a VHF section and a UHF section.

The VHF section includes input terminal 41 for receiving TV signals, low-pass filter (LPF) 42 a coupled to input terminal 41, tuning filter 43 a coupled to an output of LPF 42 a, high-frequency amplifier 44 a coupled to an output of tuning filter 43 a, inter-stage filter 45 a coupled to an output of high-frequency amplifier 44 a, mixer 47 a having an input port coupled to an output of inter-stage filter 45 a and another input port coupled to an output of local oscillator 46 a, intermediate frequency amplifier 48 coupled to an output of mixer 47 a, and output terminal 49 coupled to an output of intermediate frequency amplifier 48.

The UHF section includes high-pass filter (HPF) 42 b instead of LPF 42 a in the VHF section. That is, filters 42 a and 42 b separate signals into VHF signals and UHF signals. Other portions of the two sections are substantially the same except handling frequencies of different bandwidths. For simple explanation, components of the UHF section commonly used in the VHF section are denoted by corresponding reference numerals followed by subscript “b”. For example, tuning filter 43 b and local oscillator 46 b are shown. Input terminal 41, intermediate frequency amplifier 48, and output terminal 49 are shared between the two sections.

The VHF/UHF tuner having the structure above will be described. As described above, operations of the sections except their handling frequencies of different bandwidths are almost identical. Therefore, the VHF section will be mainly explained.

A VHF signal out of TV signals received at input terminal is supplied to tuning filter 43 a through LPF 42 a. A UHF signal out of the TV signals is supplied to tuning filter 43 b through HPF 42 b. That is, filters 42 a and 42 b separate the input signals into the VHF signal and the UHF signal. Hereinafter, the VHF signal will be mainly explained.

Tuning filter 43 a has a variable center frequency, which allows frequencies near a desired center frequency to pass through the filter. An output of tuning filter 43 a is supplied to inter-stage filter 45 a via high-frequency amplifier 44 a including a transistor. Frame 50 a formed of bent-up strips 23 b, 23 f, bottom 22, and lid 32 (shown in FIG. 1) is located between an input section and an output section of amplifier 44 a for preventing an output of high-frequency amplifier 44 a from returning back upstream. Frame 50 a has a side shorter than the wavelength of a frequency passing through amplifier 44 a. Frame 50 a having such structure therefore blocks the output from returning back to input terminal 41, and thus prevents the circuit from abnormal oscillation.

Inter-stage filter 45 a has a sharp cut-off profile and a passing band narrower than tuning filter 43 a, thus allowing only a desired frequency to pass through the filter. An output of the filter is supplied to one input port of mixer 47 a for mixing the output with an output of local oscillator 46 a received at another input port of mixer 47 a. Mixer 47 a outputs an intermediate frequency signal.

Frames 50 b and 50 c are located between local oscillator 46 a, mixer 47 a and inter-stage filter 45 a to prevent leakage of a signal from local oscillator 46 a to input terminal 41. Frame 50 b is formed of side 21 c, bent-up strip 23 c, bottom 22, and lid 32. Similarly, frame 50 c is formed of bent-up strips 23 c and 23 e, bottom 22, and lid 32. In other words, the output of local oscillator 46 a has to pass through frame 50 b, or frames 50 a and 50 c to reach input terminal 41. Frames 50 b and 50 c have sides shorter than the wavelength of the output of local oscillator 46 a. Frames 50 b and 50 c having such structures can function as a barrier against the output of local oscillator 46 a. That is, frames 50 b and 50 c can double-block the output of oscillator 46 a from reaching input terminal 41.

The output of mixer 47 a is amplified by intermediate frequency amplifier 48 and is then brought to output terminal 49.

Similarly to the VHF section, the UHF section includes frame 50 d (shown in FIG. 3) located between an input port and an output port of high-frequency amplifier 44 b to preventing an output of amplifier 44 b from returning back to input terminal 41. Frame 50 d is formed of bent-up strips 23 a and 23 b, bottom 22, and lid 32. Frame 50 d has a side shorter than the wavelength of a frequency passing through amplifier 44 b. Frame 50 d having such structure therefore prevents the output from returning back to input terminal 41, thus protecting the circuit from abnormal oscillation.

Inter-stage filter 45 b has a sharp cut-off profile and a passing band narrower than tuning filter 43 b, thus allowing only a desired frequency to pass through. The output is supplied to one input port of mixer 47 b for mixing the output with an output of local oscillator 46 b received at another input port of mixer 47 a. Mixer 47 b outputs an intermediate frequency signal.

Frames 50 e and 50 f are located between local oscillator 46 b, mixer 47 b and inter-stage filter 45 b in order to protect leakage of a signal from local oscillator 46 b to input terminal 41. Frame 50 e is formed of side 21 a, bent-up strip 23 d, bottom 22, and lid 32. Similarly, frame 50 f is formed of bent-up strips 23 d and 23 e, bottom 22, and lid 32 (of FIG. 1). In other words, the oscillated output signal of local oscillator 46 b has to pass through frame 50 e, or frames 50 f and 50 d to reach input terminal 41. Frames 50 e and 50 f have sides shorter than the wavelength of the output of local oscillator 46 b. That is, frames 50 e and 50 f can prevent the output of oscillator 46 b from reaching input terminal 41.

Next, a preferable arrangement of core-less coils 51 and 52 shown in FIG. 4 will be described. Core-less coil 51 forms tuning filter 43 a or 43 b (shown in FIG. 3), while core-less coil 52 forms inter-stage filter 45 a or 45 b (shown in FIG. 3). Frame 50 formed of bent-up strip 23, bottom 22, and lid 32 is located between core-less coils 51 and 52. Frame 50 reduces electromagnetic coupling between core-less coils 51 and 52, thus preventing interference between the coils. To reduce the interference more, core-less coils 51 and 52 are located so that respective center axes of the coils are substantially perpendicular (angle 53) to each other, as shown in FIG. 4. This arrangement reduces the coupling between core-less coils 51 and 52, thus preventing the coils from interference.

FIG. 5 shows an arrangement of core-less coils 54 and 55 having respective center axes parallel to each other. Bent-up strip 23 is again shown. Frame 50 formed of bent-up strip 23, bottom 22, and lid 32 is located between core-less coils 54 and 55, suppressing electromagnetic interference between the coils. In order to reduce the interference more, an opening angle 57 not narrower than 45° is provided from center axis 56 of core-less coil 54, and core-less coil 55 is located out of the opening angle. This arrangement reduces the coupling between core-less coils 54 and 55, thus preventing the coils from interference.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a vicinity of a frame located between high-frequency circuits of the VHF/UHF tuner of the embodiment. Power supply pattern 60 is located adjacent to bent-up strip 23 penetrating the printed circuit board. Chip capacitor 62 is mounted between power supply pattern 60 and land 61 formed around bent-up strip 23. Chip capacitor 62 having a capacitance greater than 1000 pF is connected directly to a ground (i.e., bent-up strip 23) can prevents interference waves through power supply pattern 60. Power supply pattern 60 being grounded via chip capacitor 62 reduces an impedance of pattern 60, thus protecting the circuit from undesired interference and electromagnetic coupling.

The VHF/UHF tuner having such structure is accommodated in shield case 20, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The tuner does not require partitions 11 a and 11 b included in the conventional tuner. This structure can simplifies an arrangement of components, thereby contributing to a small, compact tuner. Furthermore, the structure allows the components of the tuner to be repaired and adjusted easily.

Since the high-frequency device of the embodiment can employ single-sided printed circuit board 26, the shield case can have side 21 by bending bottom 22, thus not needing a back lid. This structure simplifies not only the structure of the frame but also handling of the components. In addition, a single-sided printed circuit board has the components on its top surface, and does not have the components on bottom surface. Therefore, a shield case having the side formed by bending the bottom allows the components to be repaired and adjusted easily. A single-sided printed circuit board can also reduce the manufacturing cost of the device.

The high-frequency device of the embodiment reduces a limitation in an arrangement of the components which increases board density, thus having a reduced size.

The process of mounting component 27 on printed circuit board 26, and the process of fixing board 26 to shield case 20 can be simultaneously performed by reflow soldering.

The strip formed by bending up the case itself serves as a side of the frame according to the embodiment. A rod-like, or plate-like piece instead of the bent-up strip may provides the same effect. In this case, the aforementioned piece is prepared separately from the case, and is then connected with the case.

The above description has related to the positioning of an electronic component on a first surface of a printed circuit board. It is understood, however, by one of ordinary skill in the art that a wiring pattern may be provided on a second surface of the printed circuit board.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In a high-frequency device according to the present invention, a conductive material-made frame serves as a partition between high-frequency electronic circuits. The frame has sides shorter than the wavelength of an undesired signal. The frame prevents leakage or radiation of undesired high frequencies. The high-frequency device employing the frame reduces limitation in an arrangement of the components mounted on a printed circuit board. This fact improves board density, thereby reducing the size of the device. 

1. A high-frequency device comprising: a board; a plurality of high-frequency circuits provided on said board; a partition located between said high-frequency circuits, said partition including a frame comprised of conductive material, a case for accommodating said circuit board, said case being made of metal; a lid for covering said case, said lid being made of metal; and a strip provided at a bottom surface of said case and contacting said lid, wherein said frame is formed of said strip, said case, and said lid and prevents a signal generated in said high-frequency circuits from passing through said frame.
 2. The high-frequency device of claim 1, wherein said frame has a substantially rectangular shape having sides shorter than a wavelength of said signal.
 3. The high-frequency device of claim 1, further comprising: an electronic component located on a first surface of said board; wherein said board is a single-sided board, and a second surface of said board faces to said bottom surface or said case.
 4. The high-frequency device of claim 1, further comprising an elastic contact lug provided on said lid which protrudes towards said bottom surface of said case, said contact lug contacting a tip of said strip.
 5. The high-frequency device of claim 4, wherein said contact lug is formed by cutting and bending said lid.
 6. The high-frequency device of claim 1, wherein said strip is formed by cutting and bending up said bottom surface of said case.
 7. The high-frequency device of claim 6, further comprising an elastic contact lug provided on said lid which protrudes towards said bottom surface of said case, said contact lug contacting a tip of said strip.
 8. The high-frequency device of claim 7, wherein said contact lug is formed by cutting and bending said lid.
 9. The high-frequency device of claim 1, wherein a side and said bottom surface of said case are formed by bending a metal plate.
 10. The high-frequency device of claim 1, further comprising; a power supply line located on said board and running through said partition; and a capacitor provided between said power supply line and said strip, said strip being located near said power supply line.
 11. The high-frequency device of claim 1, further comprising: an input terminal provided on said board, for receiving a high-frequency signal; a first filter provided on said board and coupled to said input terminal; a high-frequency amplifier provided on said board and coupled to an output of said first filter; a second filter provided on said board and coupled to an output of said high-frequency amplifier; a local oscillator provided on said board; a mixer provided on said board and having one input port coupled to an output of said second filter, and another input port coupled to an output of said local oscillator; an intermediate frequency amplifier provided on said board and coupled to an output of said mixer; and an output terminal provided on said board and coupled to an output of said intermediate frequency amplifier, wherein said partition is located at said high-frequency amplifier.
 12. The high-frequency device of claim 11, wherein said first filter and said second filter include coils, respectively, and one of said coils is located at a position out of an opening angle not less than 45° from a center axis of other of said coils.
 13. The high-frequency device of claim 11, further comprising another partition located between said local oscillator and said second filter, said another partition including a frame comprised of conductive material located between said high-frequency circuits.
 14. The high-frequency device of claim 11, wherein said first filter and said second filter include coils, respectively, and said coils have respective center axes substantially perpendicular to each other.
 15. A high-frequency device comprising: a board; a plurality of high-frequency circuits provided on said board; a partition located between said high-frequency circuits, said partition including a frame made of conductive material; an input terminal provided on said board, for receiving a high-frequency signal; a first filter provided on said board and coupled to said input terminal; a high-frequency amplifier provided on said board and coupled to an output of said first filter; a second filter provided on said board and coupled to an output of said high-frequency amplifier; a local oscillator provided on said board; a mixer provided on said board and having one input port coupled to an output of said second filter, and another input port coupled to an output of said local oscillator; an intermediate frequency amplifier provided on said board and coupled to an output of said mixer; and an output terminal provided on said board and coupled to an output of said intermediate frequency amplifier, wherein said frame prevents a signal generated in said high-frequency circuits from passing through said frame, wherein said partition is located at said high-frequency amplifier, and wherein said first filter and said second filter include coils, respectively, and said coils have respective center axes substantially perpendicular to each other.
 16. The high-frequency device of claim 15, wherein said frame has a substantially rectangular shape having sides shorter than a wavelength of said signal.
 17. The high-frequency device of claim 15, further comprising another partition located between said local oscillator and said second filter, said partition including a frame made of conductive material located between said high-frequency circuits.
 18. A high-frequency device comprising: a board; a plurality of high-frequency circuits provided on said board; a partition located between said high-frequency circuits, said partition including a frame made of conductive material; an input terminal provided on said board, for receiving a high-frequency signal; a first filter provided on said board and coupled to said input terminal; a high-frequency amplifier provided on said board and coupled to an output of said first filter; a second filter provided on said board and coupled to an output of said high-frequency amplifier; a local oscillator provided on said board; a mixer provided on said board and having one input port coupled to an output of said second filter, and another input port coupled to an output of said local oscillator; an intermediate frequency amplifier provided on said board and coupled to an output of said mixer; and an output terminal provided on said board and coupled to an output of said intermediate frequency amplifier, wherein said frame prevents a signal generated in said high-frequency circuits from passing through said frame, wherein said partition is located at said high-frequency amplifier, and wherein said frame has a substantially rectangular shape having sides shorter than a wavelength of said signal.
 19. The high-frequency device of claim 18 further comprising another partition located between said local oscillator and said second filter said another partition including a frame made of conductive material located between said high-frequency circuits.
 20. A high-frequency device comprising; a board; a plurality of high-frequency circuits provided on said board; a partition located between said high-frequency circuits, said partition including a frame made of conductive material; an input terminal provided on said board, for receiving a high-frequency signal; a first filter provided on said board and coupled to said in put terminal; a high-frequency amplifier provided on said board and coupled to an output of said first filter; a second filter provided on said board and coupled to an output of said high-frequency amplifier; a local oscillator provided on said board; a mixer provided on said board and having one input port coupled to an output of said second filter, and another input port coupled to an output of said local oscillator; an intermediate frequency amplifier provided on said board and coupled to an output of said mixer; and an output terminal provided on said board and coupled to an output of said intermediate frequency amplifier, wherein said frame prevents a signal generated in said high-frequency circuits from passing through said frame, wherein said partition is located at said high-frequency amplifier, and wherein said first filter and said second filter include coils, respectively, and one of said coils is located at a position out of an opening angle not less than 45° from a center axis of other of said coils.
 21. The high-frequency device of claim 20, wherein said frame has a substantially rectangular shape having sides shorter than a wavelength of said signal.
 22. The high-frequency device of claim 20, further comprising another partition located between said local oscillator and said second filter. 